Crash 'accidental' claims pilot's friend

All four men’s families have been informed of their deaths, said police

Thames Valley Police has confirmed that all four men’s families have been informed of their deaths.

In their latest update, announced at 4pm today, Superintendent Rebecca Mears, said:

“We remain on scene following this incident in which tragically four men lost their lives.

“All four of the men’s families have been informed and they are being offered ongoing support by Thames Valley Police.

“Three of the families have today visited the scene supported by specialist family liaison officers from Thames Valley Police.

“With the ongoing support of emergency services, work is continuing to recover the men’s bodies from the scene.

“We anticipate that this will happen by the end of the day.

“With support from ourselves, the Air Accident Investigation Branch are continuing their work to understand the circumstances of this incident.”

“We would like to thank the Waddesdon estate for their support of the emergency services in responding to this incident, and we would also like to thank the public for their continued patience.”

16:15

All fatalities confirmed as male

Police has confirmed that all fatalities were male.

It was added that the victims were two pilots and two passengers.

16:14

Officers pictured investigating the scene

Buckinghamshire mid-air collision scene (Image: UKNIP)

Buckinghamshire mid-air collision scene (Image: UKNIP)

Buckinghamshire mid-air collision scene (Image: UKNIP)

16:04

Images emerge of debris at the crash site

Debris at the crash site following Buckingham mid-air collision (Image: UKNIP)

Debris at the crash site following Buckingham mid-air collision (Image: UKNIP)

15:25

"No negligence"

Captain Croucher said: “From the available evidence, it’s as near to a proper accident as you are likely to see - no negligence, absolutely none.”

Speaking to PA, he said the claims were that the helicopter had been flying a straight path and the aircraft was descending, and the pilot would have been unable to see due to “blind spots” below and behind, although he added it was “conjecture”.

15:24

Training flight with young student

Former colleague and friend, Captain Phil Croucher told the Press Association that Captain Green was on a training flight with a young student when his aircraft collided with another mid-air.

Full article

Everything we know so far

Police confirmed four fatalities after a helicopter and light aircraft collided.

Pilot, Captain Mike Green is the first victim to be named.

An investigation is underway into the cause of the collision.

12:48

Lord Rothschild sends condolences

Waddesdon Manor said in a statement: “Lord Rothschild and his family extend their condolences to the families of all affected, and their thanks to the emergency services for their swift response and professionalism.”

12:22

What we know so far

12:05

Pictures of scene released

Images have been released of the scene which is under investigation following the fatal aircraft collision.

A police man stands guard at the entrance to Waddesdon Manor Road as police resume the hunt for clues following mid-air collision (Image: PA)

A rapid relief tent visible at the entrance to the crash site near Waddesdon (Image: PA)

A police car arrives at Waddesdon Manor Road the entrance to the crash site near Waddesdon (Image: PA)

11:45

Two pilots and two passengers confirmed dead

It has been confirmed that the four fatalities were two pilots, including Captain Mike Green and two passengers.

11:41

First picture of crash victim released

Captain Mike Green has been named as the first victim of the horrific mid-air crash.

Captain Mike Green has been named as the first victim of the mid-air collision over Buckinghamshire (Image: UKNIP)

11:31KEY EVENT

Pilot killed in horror crash named

The pilot of an aircraft involved in the mid-air collision has been named as Captain Mike Green.

Captain Green died along with three others.

The investigation into the incident continues

11:01

Investigators on scene clearing up debris

AAIB investigators could be seen at the scene carrying what appeared to be wreckage debris in clear plastic bags. Also at the site were fire investigators and police. Police tape marked the inner cordon which could be seen through the thick bushes that surround the area.

10:41

Both aircraft departed same air park

Wycombe Air Park, a private aerodrome not far from the crash, confirmed that both aircraft had taken off from the air park.

A spokesman said: “Wycombe Air Park can confirm that at 12.00pm today we were informed of an incident north-west of Aylesbury involving two aircraft from Wycombe Air Park.”

10:19

Large bang

Residents of Waddesdon village reported hearing a large bang when the aircraft collided at 12.06pm on Friday.

The crash happened near the Waddesdon Manor estate owned and maintained by the Rothschild family.

10:07

Four confirmed dead

Thames Valley Police has confirmed four fatalities following the tragic mid-air collision.

The force issued a statement on Saturday (November 18) said: “Officers are in the process of working to locate and support their next of kin. The Air Accidents Investigation Branch, the AAIB, has been informed and their staff have been on the scene.

“These are the early stages of the investigation however Thames Valley Police will continue to work closely with investigators as they establish the circumstances.”

10:00

"Number of casualties"

We’ll be giving you updates throughout the day following yesterday’s mid-air collision between two aircrafts over Buckinghamshire.

The tragic incident happened over the village of Upper Winchendon at around noon on Friday (November 17).